Zigi Tours Q&A: Sustainable Tourism and Why Visit India

Zigi Tours offers bespoke travel experiences across the globe – working with you to create a trip that is as unique as you.

Specialising in trips to India, co-founder Abhishek Biswas tells us why this destination should be top of your list and what efforts Zigi Tours take to make a positive impact on people and planet.

What inspired you to start Zigi Tours?

I have always loved to travel and share my stories and experiences with friends and family.

I previously worked in luxury cruise ships, which gave me the opportunity to travel the world and explore its various sights, culture and people. This time spent with discerning travellers made me realise that people have individual interests that is unique to them.

Keeping that in mind, my partner, who is also an avid traveller, and I decided to develop a boutique concept driven travel company. We aim to design every journey around a client’s interests, budget and schedule, making each trip as individual as the person themselves.

What makes India such a popular travel destination?

A country by name, continent by scale, India is a feast for your senses. India has innumerable experiences on offer, so there is something for absolutely every traveller.

There are nearly 36 UNESCO world heritage sites in India, which vary from forts, palaces, temples and wildlife parks. India is famous for its hospitality and has some of the best hotels in the world. Rejuvenate and revitalize in an Ayurveda spa in Kerala or learn and practise authentic Yoga and meditation in the Himalayas.

During a trip to India, you can indulge in the unique retail therapy, choosing from beautiful fabrics, leather goods and art works. Of course, along with savouring the incredible native cuisine!

Everyone should visit India at least once in their lifetime!

What top tips would you give to someone visiting India for the first time?

India is a place with endless eye candy, a camera definitely comes in handy.

It is customary in India to fold your hands and say Namaste, it is a common greeting which means showing love, respect and gratitude.

Avoid tap water at all times if you are visiting India for the first time and do not forget to use a strong sunscreen lotion.

The sight that’s not to be missed is the UNESCO world heritage site of the Taj Mahal in Agra. It is an architectural marvel that was once described by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore as “a teardrop on the cheek of time”.

What actions does Zigi Tours take to ensure you have a positive impact on the local communities and environments in which you work?

We are an environmental friendly company and try to minimise the use of plastic and paper in our work environment as much as possible.

We also support TOFTigers, an NGO that actively works in tiger conservation all over the world and also helps local communities around national parks. We also support NGOs that support underprivileged children through education in developing countries. Our clients can contribute to this cause directly by visiting their centres while on holiday.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be?

I would love to travel to the Fiji Islands and do the zip line adventure. It’s on my bucket list!

What is the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?

Do what you love and you will never work a single day.

Click or tap the Butterfly Mark to discover the Positive Actions that make Zigi Tours a brand to trust: